Classic Zambia

With conservation at their core, Classic Zambia Safaris is led by seasoned safari experts who blend high-quality wildlife viewing and specialized guiding to create a distinctive guest experience. As one of the few remaining owner-run operations in Zambia, a country renowned for its rich wildlife heritage, their camps are situated in the heart of two premier national parks. These locations serve as ideal bases for exploring and immersing oneself in the unparalleled beauty of African wildlife.

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Origin

The pioneering origins of all camps within the company stem from a shared vision to protect Zambia's wild areas.

Classic Zambia, although a new entity in name, is backed by extensive experience. It was formed by merging three existing and successful companies: Jeffery and McKeith Safaris in Kafue National Park, Tusk and Mane Safaris in Lower Zambezi, and Reel Nature Ltd (a mobile safari and film crew fixing and support company). Recognizing the collective benefits, the directors decided to consolidate their efforts under one banner.

The new Classic Zambia aims to build upon the successful products of its predecessors without diluting their essence. The merger has streamlined logistics and operations, resulting in cost and time savings. With the increased demand for combined safari experiences in both Kafue National Park and Lower Zambezi, the shared ethos and emphasis on high-quality guided experiences have become more sought after.

Meet the Founders

Luke Evans and Kyle Branch joined forces in 2015 to fulfill Luke's childhood dream of establishing a safari business in Zambia. With an operating license for three unique sites in the Lower Zambezi National Park, they founded "Tusk and Mane Safaris," now known as Classic Zambia Safaris, with camps such as Kutali and Chula Island gaining recognition.

Luke, a native of Monze, Zambia, grew up immersed in safari culture, while Kyle, from Tzaneen, South Africa, honed his wildlife passion and guiding skills in Kruger National Park and with & Beyond Safari Company.

Tyrone McKeith and Phil Jeffery, who met during their studies at the Durrell Institute of Conservation Ecology in the UK, shared a vision of establishing an ethical safari business in the Kafue National Park. Their camps, Musekese and Ntemwa-Busanga, are renowned for their safari experience and commitment to conservation.

Phil, a Zambian, and Tyrone, from Windsor, UK, are proud of their conservation efforts through Musekese Conservation. Duncan Scott, General Manager at Classic Zambia, brings his diverse skills from the farming sector and experience in wildlife film production to the team.

Why classic Zambia?

Prime Locations
High density of large carnivores

Owner Run
From reservations to in-camp guiding

Quality Guides
Some of Africa’s finest

Ease of Booking
Internal logistics and transfers covered

Conservation
The reason we exist

Sustainability

Conservation is at the heart of what they do, ensuring both nature and local communities thrive together.

Musekese Conservation
A charity founded by us to protect the local people and wildlife of the Kafue National Park from poaching.

Guide Training
They invest in training individuals who are passionate about preserving the natural world, shaping them into ambassadors for Africa's great national parks. Kyle Branch, one of the directors, is a prominent professional guide trainer in Africa. As a co-founder of the TEVETA national accreditation syllabus and examinations for Zambia's professional guides, Kyle is dedicated to training Zambians, including their own group of young, motivated wildlife enthusiasts who often accompany guests on safaris.

CLZ Support
They are long-standing supporters of the work conducted by the highly efficient and effective conservation organization Conservation Lower Zambezi, or 'CLZ'. Through both financial contributions and in-kind support, they collaborate closely with CLZ and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to bolster conservation efforts and law enforcement in the wilderness area.

Sustainability
They do not endorse awards or excessive marketing related to being environmentally friendly. They firmly believe that ecological consciousness is an essential aspect of being a safari operator in the present era, considering sustainability as non-negotiable. All their camps operate solely on solar power, including water pumps, eliminating the need for diesel generators. They meticulously manage waste disposal, ensuring selected products are disposed of outside wildlife reserves. Prior to disposal, they procure produce in a sustainably conscious manner, including home-grown vegetables and locally sourced meats, to minimize plastic waste and excess. Their careful procurement and logistics planning reduces unnecessary transport and fuel use, with a focus on purchasing materials and produce from nearby communities.

Local Skills Training
Poaching and other illegal activities often appeal to impoverished communities in nearby villages. By providing employment opportunities and associated livelihood training and skill development, local residents can secure legitimate work and thrive without turning to illegal activities. They take pride in promoting young Zambian talent, offering promising junior staff opportunities to grow and develop within and outside of Classic Zambia.

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I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.

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